In the ever
growing IT Industry the size of typical business networks is rapidly
growing, with this rapid expansion companies are having trouble
controlling multiple servers efficiently and also controlling a
number of client machines. For these large scale environments Avocent
(Cybex) has created a range of high end KVM solutions, one of the
main models is the DSR2161 KVM which runs completely over CAT5 Cable
for up to 16 machines (servers) and is rack mountable for an all
round neat package. With KVM OVER IP, the DSR2161 provides support
for an unlimited number of users, from anywhere, who need to access
and control servers at any given time. Combine the local KVM port
with the 2 digital KVM OVER IP paths, and the DSR2161 will support
for up to 3 concurrent users who can control different servers at
any one time.

"The DSR2161
is a 16-port system that combines digital and analog technology into a
1U chassis. The DSR2161 model contains one local port for access at the
rack and two Ethernet ports for IP access. The DSR2161 works with Avocent's
patented OSCAR on-screen GUI reporting interface for reliable rack level
access and control. Avocent's DSView Windows application offers powerful
access for IP-based server management from any location in the world:
from your desk, in the NOC or from any location in the world. The DSR
2161 works with the DSRIQ smart cable for CAT 5 cabling connectivity from
the switch to the server. With its CAT 5 design, the DSRIQ significantly
reduces cable bulk in the rack and is well suited for high-density installations."
- Avocent
(DSR2161 Product Information)

Features:

A KVM network
appliance that combines the power of digital and analog technology and
provides connections for 16 servers in a 1U chassis

Provides analog
access at the rack, and digital IP access at the desk, in the NOC or
any location around the world

Managed with Avocent's
patented OSCAR on-screen GUI for access at the rack

Managed with Avocent's
DSView Windows application for IP access from any location

All Avocent/Cybex
products are covered by a free 12-month warranty. Extended warranties
are available for expanded coverage, including advanced replacement units
and 24/7 support. (More information on Extended Warranties here)

Contents of DSR2161
Package:

1 x DSR2161 Rack
Mountable 1U Unit

16 x 2M CAT5 Cables

16 x DSRIQ Connectors
(CAT5 Female to Keyboard/Video/Mouse)

1 x Null Modem
Cable

1 x Local Country
Power Cord

1 x Software Installation
CD-ROM

1 x Product User
Manual

1 x Server License

1 x Client License

The above picture
is of the contents of the DSR2161 package, excluding the Client
and Server licenses. As you can see it comes with everything that
is required to setup the unit quickly and without any problems.

The unit itself is
only 1U think, this means that it takes minimal space in a rack and looks
similar to a 16 port hub or switch with all the status LED's on the front
face and the plugs on the rear panel.

These are the DSRIQ
cables, as you can see they comprise of a normal serial style monitor
plug (DB14 pin) and two PS/2 connections, one for the keyboard and the
other for the mouse, and a CAT5 female socket for connecting to the DSR
unit itself. By using these you can network your systems via CAT5 cabling
which can cover more area in your office space (especially since CAT5
cable is rather inexpensive).

The only limitation
is that the CAT5 cable must not be in excess of 10 meters long, this is
to ensure that the signal is not degraded and that the unit will be able
to operate correctly 100% of the time. This should be applicable for most
situations as usually servers are all located in a single room or close
to each other and therefore requiring short cables.

The DSR series comes
in three different models, they are:

DSR1161
- This is a 1 remote connection and 1 local connection 16 port
KVM unit.

DSR2161
- This is a 2 remote connection and 1 local connection 16 port KVM unit.

DSR4160
- This is a 4 remote connection and no local connection 16 port KVM
unit.

Avocent
provide a large range of networking products, for the home user to
large scale enterprise solutions. If you would like to purchase a
Avocent/Cybex KVM or any other product then please drop by their website
for more information on specifications of their product lines and
to place an order. You can find all the details on products on their
site http://www.avocent.com/.